RN to BS Online Program
Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025
UR Nursing, URMC Extend Employee Tuition Grant for Additional 2 Years
The initiative led by the School of Nursing and URMC has covered tuition costs for more than 850 University of Rochester employees.
UR Nursing, URMC Extend Employee Tuition Grant for Additional 2 Years
The initiative led by the School of Nursing and URMC has covered tuition costs for more than 850 University of Rochester employees.
Thursday, Apr 28, 2022
Guest Essay: Lived Experience as a Muslim in the United States
The following is a guest essay from student diversity officer and soon to be SON alum, Syed Mahmud, who is completing the ¿¿Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program this May. Originally from Bangladesh, Syed arrived to the School of Nursing from Ohio, and has made Rochester his home with his family.
Guest Essay: Lived Experience as a Muslim in the United States
The following is a guest essay from student diversity officer and soon to be SON alum, Syed Mahmud, who is completing the ¿¿Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program this May. Originally from Bangladesh, Syed arrived to the School of Nursing from Ohio, and has made Rochester his home with his family.
Tuesday, Feb 8, 2022
UR School of Nursing, Medical Center Extend Free Tuition Program for Employees
The University of Rochester School of Nursing, in partnership with nursing practice at the University of Rochester Medical Center, has extended a free tuition program for UR nurses for another two years. The UR School of Nursing Tuition Grant supplements UR employee tuition benefits to provide 100 percent tuition coverage in select bachelor’s, master’s, and post-master’s programs.
UR School of Nursing, Medical Center Extend Free Tuition Program for Employees
The University of Rochester School of Nursing, in partnership with nursing practice at the University of Rochester Medical Center, has extended a free tuition program for UR nurses for another two years. The UR School of Nursing Tuition Grant supplements UR employee tuition benefits to provide 100 percent tuition coverage in select bachelor’s, master’s, and post-master’s programs.
Tuesday, Aug 17, 2021
Underhill-Blazey Chosen as American Academy of Nursing Fellow
The American Academy of Nursing (Academy) announced that it has selected Meghan Underhill-Blazey, PhD, APRN, assistant professor at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, into its 2021 Class of Fellows.
Underhill-Blazey Chosen as American Academy of Nursing Fellow
The American Academy of Nursing (Academy) announced that it has selected Meghan Underhill-Blazey, PhD, APRN, assistant professor at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, into its 2021 Class of Fellows.
Wednesday, Jul 28, 2021
After Two Years with a Full Plate, Former Chef Justin Wilks Ready to ‘Embrace the Calm’
As someone who thrives under pressure, Justin Wilks left behind the frying pan of cooking for the fire of nursing. After 10 years as a professional chef, he now works as an RN at Highland Hospital. His ability to succeed amid chaos was tested again, as he graduated summa cum laude from the UR Nursing RN to BS program despite acclimating to his new job during a global pandemic, welcoming a newborn baby, and moving into a new home.
After Two Years with a Full Plate, Former Chef Justin Wilks Ready to ‘Embrace the Calm’
As someone who thrives under pressure, Justin Wilks left behind the frying pan of cooking for the fire of nursing. After 10 years as a professional chef, he now works as an RN at Highland Hospital. His ability to succeed amid chaos was tested again, as he graduated summa cum laude from the UR Nursing RN to BS program despite acclimating to his new job during a global pandemic, welcoming a newborn baby, and moving into a new home.
Monday, Dec 21, 2020
Spotlight on: Patty Smith, RN, BSN, ER Nurse, St. James Hospital
Patty Smith, RN, BSN, was a bank manager for 15 years before she took a leap of faith and went back to school to become a nurse at age 34. “Nursing was always at the back of my mind,” said Smith, an ER nurse at St. James Hospital. “My dad was terminally ill with lung cancer when I was young and I helped my mom take care of him. That experience was truly an inspiring factor in my decision to go back to school for nursing.”
Spotlight on: Patty Smith, RN, BSN, ER Nurse, St. James Hospital
Patty Smith, RN, BSN, was a bank manager for 15 years before she took a leap of faith and went back to school to become a nurse at age 34. “Nursing was always at the back of my mind,” said Smith, an ER nurse at St. James Hospital. “My dad was terminally ill with lung cancer when I was young and I helped my mom take care of him. That experience was truly an inspiring factor in my decision to go back to school for nursing.”
Thursday, Dec 17, 2020
Year of the Nurse and Midwife: St. James CNO Melissa Rackmil
Video about St. James CNO Melissa Rackmil
Year of the Nurse and Midwife: St. James CNO Melissa Rackmil
Video about St. James CNO Melissa Rackmil
Friday, Dec 11, 2020
Spotlight on: Joan McAllister, RN, Ambulatory Surgery, St. James Hospital
Joan McAllister, RN, St. James Ambulatory Surgery Center, always knew she wanted to be a nurse. ”I loved science and everything about nursing,” she said. In fact one of her early memories includes playing nurse while her sister played teacher. So no one was surprised when McAllister and her sister actually chose those careers for their lives.
Spotlight on: Joan McAllister, RN, Ambulatory Surgery, St. James Hospital
Joan McAllister, RN, St. James Ambulatory Surgery Center, always knew she wanted to be a nurse. ”I loved science and everything about nursing,” she said. In fact one of her early memories includes playing nurse while her sister played teacher. So no one was surprised when McAllister and her sister actually chose those careers for their lives.
Friday, Dec 11, 2020
Spotlight on: Amy Campbell, RN, Med/Surg Nurse, St. James Hospital
Amy Campbell, RN, already had a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Shippensburg University before she decided to go to nursing school at Alfred State right after her daughter’s first birthday. She chose St. James to begin her career because she was impressed at how much nurses can do and learn there.
Spotlight on: Amy Campbell, RN, Med/Surg Nurse, St. James Hospital
Amy Campbell, RN, already had a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Shippensburg University before she decided to go to nursing school at Alfred State right after her daughter’s first birthday. She chose St. James to begin her career because she was impressed at how much nurses can do and learn there.
Wednesday, Sep 9, 2020
Spotlight on: Tonya Reisman, RN, Registered Nurse Case Manager, Jones Memorial Hospital
Tonya Reisman had a nine-year career as a certified optician at a Walmart Vision Center before she even thought about becoming a nurse. Everything changed when her grandmother became ill. “My grandmother was my best friend,” she said. “I took care of her every day until she passed away.”
Spotlight on: Tonya Reisman, RN, Registered Nurse Case Manager, Jones Memorial Hospital
Tonya Reisman had a nine-year career as a certified optician at a Walmart Vision Center before she even thought about becoming a nurse. Everything changed when her grandmother became ill. “My grandmother was my best friend,” she said. “I took care of her every day until she passed away.”
Wednesday, Sep 9, 2020
Spotlight on: Kari Zwiefka, RN, BSN, Director of Surgical Services, Jones Memorial Hospital
Kari Zwiefka once thought she wanted to be a physical therapist. But, with some encouragement from her aunt, who was a nurse, she started nursing school and fell in love with it. Zwiefka earned her nursing degree and began her career working in a nursing home. She has been at Jones Memorial Hospital for more than 20 years, serving in a variety of different posts.
Spotlight on: Kari Zwiefka, RN, BSN, Director of Surgical Services, Jones Memorial Hospital
Kari Zwiefka once thought she wanted to be a physical therapist. But, with some encouragement from her aunt, who was a nurse, she started nursing school and fell in love with it. Zwiefka earned her nursing degree and began her career working in a nursing home. She has been at Jones Memorial Hospital for more than 20 years, serving in a variety of different posts.
Thursday, Sep 3, 2020
Spotlight on: Dena Helms, RN, Care Manager, Jones Memorial Hospital
Her first job out of high school was as a nurse’s aide. Over the next 32 years, Dena Helms has served in a variety of roles, from hospital floor nurse, office nurse, CPR instructor, OR nurse, care manager, and Army nurse. And she’s not done yet. “I don’t know if I’ll ever retire,” she said. “Nursing continues to be a perfect career for me.”
Spotlight on: Dena Helms, RN, Care Manager, Jones Memorial Hospital
Her first job out of high school was as a nurse’s aide. Over the next 32 years, Dena Helms has served in a variety of roles, from hospital floor nurse, office nurse, CPR instructor, OR nurse, care manager, and Army nurse. And she’s not done yet. “I don’t know if I’ll ever retire,” she said. “Nursing continues to be a perfect career for me.”
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2020
Spotlight on: Cherie Gibson, RN, MN, BSN, Noyes Memorial Hospital
Cherie Gibson, RN, MN, BSN, wears many hats at Noyes Memorial Hospital. Her official title is emergency department module coordinator (EMC). But she is also an ED staff nurse, an educator in the ED, a PICC line nurse, and she teaches classes in Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. If that’s not enough, you can also find her teaching Alfred State nursing students – something she calls her “fun job.”
Spotlight on: Cherie Gibson, RN, MN, BSN, Noyes Memorial Hospital
Cherie Gibson, RN, MN, BSN, wears many hats at Noyes Memorial Hospital. Her official title is emergency department module coordinator (EMC). But she is also an ED staff nurse, an educator in the ED, a PICC line nurse, and she teaches classes in Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. If that’s not enough, you can also find her teaching Alfred State nursing students – something she calls her “fun job.”
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2020
Spotlight on: Jessica Porter, RN, BS, CNOR, Nurse Manager, Noyes Outpatient Surgery Center
Jessica Porter’s nursing career has centered on surgery. ”My favorite part of nursing school was anatomy and physiology,” she said. “I began my career as a floor nurse on a surgical floor and I’ve worked in the OR, too. I love that surgery is about fixing problems. Patients come to us with something broken or not working well. It’s very fulfilling when we can fix it and send them home feeling better.”
Spotlight on: Jessica Porter, RN, BS, CNOR, Nurse Manager, Noyes Outpatient Surgery Center
Jessica Porter’s nursing career has centered on surgery. ”My favorite part of nursing school was anatomy and physiology,” she said. “I began my career as a floor nurse on a surgical floor and I’ve worked in the OR, too. I love that surgery is about fixing problems. Patients come to us with something broken or not working well. It’s very fulfilling when we can fix it and send them home feeling better.”
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2020
Spotlight on: Amy Amell, RN, Noyes Memorial Hospital
Amy Amell, an RN at Noyes Memorial Hospital’s 8-bed ICU, knew she wanted a career where she could take care of people. The Hornell resident, who grew up in the small, rural town of Arkport, also knew she wanted to live and practice nursing in a similar place.
Spotlight on: Amy Amell, RN, Noyes Memorial Hospital
Amy Amell, an RN at Noyes Memorial Hospital’s 8-bed ICU, knew she wanted a career where she could take care of people. The Hornell resident, who grew up in the small, rural town of Arkport, also knew she wanted to live and practice nursing in a similar place.
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2020
Spotlight on: Casey Renno, RN, BS, Med/Surg Charge Nurse, Noyes Memorial Hospital
When Casey Renno, RN, BSN, med/surg charge nurse at Noyes Memorial Hospital, was a child she spent a lot of time in hospitals because her brother was born with a rare disease. “I was always around nurses as a young girl,” she said. “They helped my brother and my whole family including me. I wanted to be that kind of person. That’s one of the reasons I became a nurse.”
Spotlight on: Casey Renno, RN, BS, Med/Surg Charge Nurse, Noyes Memorial Hospital
When Casey Renno, RN, BSN, med/surg charge nurse at Noyes Memorial Hospital, was a child she spent a lot of time in hospitals because her brother was born with a rare disease. “I was always around nurses as a young girl,” she said. “They helped my brother and my whole family including me. I wanted to be that kind of person. That’s one of the reasons I became a nurse.”
Monday, Jun 22, 2020
Spotlight on: Kaydean Harris, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, nurse practitioner Thompson Health Urgent Care, SON faculty member
“My decision to become a nurse goes back to my years in college,” said Kaydean Harris. “I always knew I wanted to be in the health care field because I had a passion for caring for others. But I wasn’t sure where I fit in. I chose the University of Rochester School of Nursing because the program offers the highest quality education, as well as several levels of degree programs,” said Harris, who is a nurse practitioner at Thompson Health Urgent Care and recently joined the faculty at the UR School of Nursing
Spotlight on: Kaydean Harris, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, nurse practitioner Thompson Health Urgent Care, SON faculty member
“My decision to become a nurse goes back to my years in college,” said Kaydean Harris. “I always knew I wanted to be in the health care field because I had a passion for caring for others. But I wasn’t sure where I fit in. I chose the University of Rochester School of Nursing because the program offers the highest quality education, as well as several levels of degree programs,” said Harris, who is a nurse practitioner at Thompson Health Urgent Care and recently joined the faculty at the UR School of Nursing
Monday, Jun 1, 2020
Hazel Robertshaw CNO FF Thompson Hospital
Hazel Robertshaw, Year of the Nurse and Midwife
Hazel Robertshaw CNO FF Thompson Hospital
Hazel Robertshaw, Year of the Nurse and Midwife
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Spotlight on: Samera Sorell, DNP, RN, CNM, Thompson Health Canandaigua Medical Group
A nurse since 2005 and a midwife since 2016, Samera Sorell has delivered more than 200 babies. “The birth of a baby is such an intense, vulnerable moment for any family,” she said. “It is a privilege to be there and help them through that moment in time.”
Spotlight on: Samera Sorell, DNP, RN, CNM, Thompson Health Canandaigua Medical Group
A nurse since 2005 and a midwife since 2016, Samera Sorell has delivered more than 200 babies. “The birth of a baby is such an intense, vulnerable moment for any family,” she said. “It is a privilege to be there and help them through that moment in time.”
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Spotlight on: Caitlin Bonanni, RN, Registered Nurse II, Thompson Health
“I became a nurse because I fell in love with taking care of people,” said Caitlin Bonanni, RN. It all began when her husband deployed to Afghanistan and she started working at Thompson as a tech on 3 West, a medical/surgical, stroke care, and telemetry unit. She worked at Thompson as a nurse’s aide and a secretary while pursuing her education at Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Sciences and The College at Brockport.
Spotlight on: Caitlin Bonanni, RN, Registered Nurse II, Thompson Health
“I became a nurse because I fell in love with taking care of people,” said Caitlin Bonanni, RN. It all began when her husband deployed to Afghanistan and she started working at Thompson as a tech on 3 West, a medical/surgical, stroke care, and telemetry unit. She worked at Thompson as a nurse’s aide and a secretary while pursuing her education at Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Sciences and The College at Brockport.
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
‘We’re all trying to do our part’
Anthony Condo has been a member of the Highly Infectious Disease Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital for more than a year. He considers it his civic duty to be on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19. “If we don’t do it, who will?”
‘We’re all trying to do our part’
Anthony Condo has been a member of the Highly Infectious Disease Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital for more than a year. He considers it his civic duty to be on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19. “If we don’t do it, who will?”
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Caring for COVID-positive patients brings unexpected challenges
Danette Niles became a member of the front line team treating COVID-19 literally overnight. Providing patient care to patients with this virus has been a challenge, she said, but not for the reasons you might think.
Caring for COVID-positive patients brings unexpected challenges
Danette Niles became a member of the front line team treating COVID-19 literally overnight. Providing patient care to patients with this virus has been a challenge, she said, but not for the reasons you might think.
Monday, May 4, 2020
Spotlight on: Colleen Bayer, BSN, OCN Nurse Manager, Wilmot Cancer Institute
Oncology nursing is a challenging field, but for Colleen Bayer, BSN, OCN, it became a natural choice. In high school she wasn’t sure if she wanted to be a nurse or a teacher but family experiences and meaningful opportunities led her to her destined career.
Spotlight on: Colleen Bayer, BSN, OCN Nurse Manager, Wilmot Cancer Institute
Oncology nursing is a challenging field, but for Colleen Bayer, BSN, OCN, it became a natural choice. In high school she wasn’t sure if she wanted to be a nurse or a teacher but family experiences and meaningful opportunities led her to her destined career.
Monday, Apr 27, 2020
Spotlight on: Rhona Henry, RN, BSN, Nurse Manager, Wilmot Cancer Institute
Growing up in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Rhona Henry found the inspiration to be a nurse from her grandmother and great-grandmother. When she moved to New York and went to nursing school, she discovered her love of oncology nursing.
Spotlight on: Rhona Henry, RN, BSN, Nurse Manager, Wilmot Cancer Institute
Growing up in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Rhona Henry found the inspiration to be a nurse from her grandmother and great-grandmother. When she moved to New York and went to nursing school, she discovered her love of oncology nursing.
Friday, Apr 24, 2020
KC Clevenger, Chief Nursing Officer, Wilmot Cancer Institute
KC Clevenger - Year of the Nurse and Midwife
KC Clevenger, Chief Nursing Officer, Wilmot Cancer Institute
KC Clevenger - Year of the Nurse and Midwife
Friday, Mar 27, 2020
Highland Nurse Educator Named RBJ Health Care Hero
A nurse can have many roles during the course of a career. Emily Winters, MS, RN-BC, NEA-BC, has shined in a variety of roles during her 26-year career. Her dedication to her profession, to our community and to world health is what made her a natural choice for the 2020 RBJ Health Care Heroes Award in the Nursing category.
Highland Nurse Educator Named RBJ Health Care Hero
A nurse can have many roles during the course of a career. Emily Winters, MS, RN-BC, NEA-BC, has shined in a variety of roles during her 26-year career. Her dedication to her profession, to our community and to world health is what made her a natural choice for the 2020 RBJ Health Care Heroes Award in the Nursing category.
Tuesday, Mar 24, 2020
Spotlight on: Nicole Dobbertin, RN, BSN, Charge Nurse, Highland Hospital
When Nicole Dobbertin, RN, BSN, was in elementary school, her mom, Jacquie, began studying to be a nurse. As a young girl, she was inspired by how excited her mother was about classes and clinical rotations. “I also loved helping others and learning how the body works,” said Dobbertin. “And I knew that would be the career for me, too.”
Spotlight on: Nicole Dobbertin, RN, BSN, Charge Nurse, Highland Hospital
When Nicole Dobbertin, RN, BSN, was in elementary school, her mom, Jacquie, began studying to be a nurse. As a young girl, she was inspired by how excited her mother was about classes and clinical rotations. “I also loved helping others and learning how the body works,” said Dobbertin. “And I knew that would be the career for me, too.”
Thursday, Feb 27, 2020
Spotlight on: Jon Kuppinger, RN, EMT-P, Cardiac Care Unit, Strong Memorial Hospital
Meet Jon Kuppinger. He is a US Navy veteran, a former California high tech professional, a paramedic, a rock star, and since 2017, has found his true calling as a level 3 bedside nurse on a cardiac care unit at Strong Memorial Hospital.
Spotlight on: Jon Kuppinger, RN, EMT-P, Cardiac Care Unit, Strong Memorial Hospital
Meet Jon Kuppinger. He is a US Navy veteran, a former California high tech professional, a paramedic, a rock star, and since 2017, has found his true calling as a level 3 bedside nurse on a cardiac care unit at Strong Memorial Hospital.
Thursday, Jan 9, 2020
Record-Breaking Enrollment Reflects Growing Nursing Workforce Needs
The School of Nursing began its fall 2019 academic year by welcoming a record-breaking class of 235 new students. The most recent spike continues the substantial growth at the school where enrollment has increased more than 40 percent since 2016, from 529 to 742 students.
Record-Breaking Enrollment Reflects Growing Nursing Workforce Needs
The School of Nursing began its fall 2019 academic year by welcoming a record-breaking class of 235 new students. The most recent spike continues the substantial growth at the school where enrollment has increased more than 40 percent since 2016, from 529 to 742 students.
Monday, May 13, 2019
Celebrating 2019 School of Nursing Graduates
This May, we celebrate University of Rochester School of Nursing degree candidates from our undergraduate and graduate programs.
Celebrating 2019 School of Nursing Graduates
This May, we celebrate University of Rochester School of Nursing degree candidates from our undergraduate and graduate programs.
Wednesday, Dec 19, 2018
School of Nursing Offering Full Tuition Coverage to UR Employees for Select Programs
The University of Rochester School of Nursing has announced a new pilot program supporting the ongoing education of University of Rochester employees. The UR School of Nursing Tuition Grant will supplement the University’s existing employee tuition benefits to cover the full cost of tuition for UR employees who apply and enroll as new students in select degree programs between the spring 2019 and summer 2020 semesters.
School of Nursing Offering Full Tuition Coverage to UR Employees for Select Programs
The University of Rochester School of Nursing has announced a new pilot program supporting the ongoing education of University of Rochester employees. The UR School of Nursing Tuition Grant will supplement the University’s existing employee tuition benefits to cover the full cost of tuition for UR employees who apply and enroll as new students in select degree programs between the spring 2019 and summer 2020 semesters.
Friday, Aug 17, 2018
School of Nursing Cuts Tuition of RN to BS Program
Responding to New York State’s landmark “BS in 10” legislation requiring future nurses to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing within 10 years of their initial licensure, the UR School of Nursing is dropping the overall cost of its RN to BS completion program by 18 percent. The school also offers a number of substantial scholarships to bolster the strength of the nursing workforce by easing the financial burden to be faced by registered nurses who graduate with an associate degree or nursing diploma.
School of Nursing Cuts Tuition of RN to BS Program
Responding to New York State’s landmark “BS in 10” legislation requiring future nurses to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing within 10 years of their initial licensure, the UR School of Nursing is dropping the overall cost of its RN to BS completion program by 18 percent. The school also offers a number of substantial scholarships to bolster the strength of the nursing workforce by easing the financial burden to be faced by registered nurses who graduate with an associate degree or nursing diploma.
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Unique Collaboration with Bassett Medical Center Yields First Graduates
Inaugural cohort of RN to BS students from Bassett Medical Center earn their degree from the University of Rochester School of Nursing
Unique Collaboration with Bassett Medical Center Yields First Graduates
Inaugural cohort of RN to BS students from Bassett Medical Center earn their degree from the University of Rochester School of Nursing
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Tanya May | Nurses Week | University of Rochester School of Nursing
Tanya May shares her story during National Nurses Week.
Tanya May | Nurses Week | University of Rochester School of Nursing
Tanya May shares her story during National Nurses Week.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Sarah Brown | Nurses Week | University of Rochester School of Nursing
Sarah Brown, RN, ’12N, shares her story on why she became a nurse.
Sarah Brown | Nurses Week | University of Rochester School of Nursing
Sarah Brown, RN, ’12N, shares her story on why she became a nurse.
Tuesday, Jan 24, 2017
URMC Board Honors Three Graduates | UR School of Nursing
URMC Board Honors Three School of Nursing Graduates
URMC Board Honors Three Graduates | UR School of Nursing
URMC Board Honors Three School of Nursing Graduates